350Green (www.350green.com), a developer of electric vehicle (E.V.) charging station networks and Sheetz, Inc. (www.sheetz.com), an operator of more than 395 convenience stores in the U.S., announced today plans to build and operate a network of E.V. charging stations at five Sheetz locations in Pennsylvania. Now, while Sheetz customers enjoy the convenience of award-winning, made-to-order foods and specialty coffees, they will be able to take advantage of the first direct-current (DC) fast chargers installed at service stations in the U.S.
The installation of E.V. charging stations shows how Sheetz is taking the next step in the evolution of the gas station, just as they have placed a priority on innovative food and beverage offerings for customers on the go. 350Green's experience working with forward-looking retailers ensures the new chargers will be reliable and easy to use.
"We provide top notch convenience and a wide variety of food and beverage choices for our customers to refuel themselves inside our stores," says Stan Sheetz, president and CEO, Sheetz, Inc. "By offering electric vehicle charging stations we now can offer our customers an environmentally friendly refueling choice at the pump."
Placing chargers near where people live and work is considered an important part of reducing the "range anxiety" that could otherwise slow the adoption of electric vehicles. To ease fears of batteries sputtering mid-trip, 350Green has been working with partners across the country to meet the rising demand for convenient charging options.
"Sheetz has made their stores a destination as well as a convenient place to refuel. Making charging part of the convenience store experience shows you don't need to sacrifice anything to own a cleaner car," said Mariana Gerzanych, CEO of 350Green. "Expanding the charging infrastructure beyond homes and public garages through partnerships like this one is making electric vehicle ownership a realistic option for millions of people."
The installation of the Sheetz chargers will be completed by the end of this year. A DC fast charger (480V) can charge a Nissan Leaf to 80 percent in as little as 25 minutes. A map of the five Sheetz stores in Pennsylvania that will have the new chargers can be found at: //ow.ly/6Jd8q.
350Green is an exhibitor at the 2011 NACS Show, October 1 to 4, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Show attendees can visit the company at booth #8285, in the NACS/PEI Petroleum Equipment & Services area to learn more about this and other company news.